Apr 19, 2011

Sapium is a plant genus of the Euphorbiaceae family, comprising about 125 species. The genus is native to the Neotropics. Some of its species have been historically cultivated for soap production and other tallow product, hence the name Sapium. Curupi (Sapium glandulosum) is a common evergreen or briefly deciduous canopy tree (7-8 m high). Notable for its thin crown and prominently fissured bole, this species has a commonly cylindrical trunk though not usually very straight. The bark is patterned by dark, deep fissures that meander vertically up the bole and that cut its lighter gray surface into narrow strips. Often, the trunk is further textured by prominent branch scars manifest as raised and horizontally-stretched knobs that are periodically spaced along its length. If the bark, twigs or leaves of this species are cut or broken, a thick, white, latex-containing sap is exuded. Branches and twigs are fat and relatively few in number. This, combined with a spare covering of foliage, produces a very open and airy crown. The leaves (12 cm long) are simple, alternate, finely serrate, and long petioled (1.5 cm). Blade shape is elliptical and their short, stubby drip-tips are thickened and partially folded. Two pointed glands protrude from the petiole near the base of the blade. The flowers are borne on reddish-green terminal spikes, with each inflorescence containing the separate flowers of both sexes. Male blossoms, more numerous and smaller, are composed of discreet clumps of red stamens and they are arranged along the apex of the spike. Female blossoms - green globular (4 mm) structures topped by three-part, divided pistils - occupy the spike's proximal end. Flowers appear in spring. The fruits are capsules (1.5 cm) that develop from the ovaries of the female flowers. Numbering three or four per spike, each capsule dries and opens into three sections. An equal number of red-ariled seeds. These germinate soon (within a week or two) after coming into contact with the moist forest floor. Curupi flowers are pollinated by bees and other flying insects. After this has occurred, the male end of the flower spike dies and drops off, leaving only the female flowers to develop into fruiting capsules. Once mature and open, the ariled seeds become an obvious and easily detectable food source for animals - especially birds. Pigeons have been observed harvesting these seeds in large flocks. Presumably, the seed is regurgitated or expelled in droppings after consumption and thus dispersed a good distance away from the parent tree. Curupi trees and saplings are sturdy and resistant to drought and excessive sunlight and are thus good pioneer plants. They frequently are among the first to invade clearings caused by tree-falls, landslides, or human intervention. They are also good competitors on steep slopes where soils are thin and xeric conditions are prevalent. Curupi has potential for use in reforestation programs, where poor, droughty soils in sunny locations are to be reclaimed. Well adapted to such harsh conditions, this secondary species is capable of improving and stabilizing the environment so that other, more sensitive but longer lived forest trees can gain a foothold.

Why bilingual? For starters, Spanish is my native tongue. Secondly, English is still the universal language and the blog is meant to be accessible for anyone on the globe who is into Nature conservancy; particularly in getting to know Uruguay's flora and fauna.

"Hunting is merely a cowardly circumlocution for the cowardy murder of fellow creatures who do not have a chance. Hunting is a variant of human mental illness" Theodore Heuss (First president of the Republic of Germany; 1884-1963)

"When I was twelve, I went hunting with my father and we shot a bird. He was laying there and something struck me. Why do we call this fun to kill this creature who was as happy as I was when I woke up this morning?" (American and Canadian football coach, 1925-)

"May I walk unceasingly on the banks of my river, may my soul repose on the branches of the trees which I planted, and may I may refresh myself under the shadow of my sycamore tree".Egyptian tomb inscription, circa 1400 AD

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, other animals and the trees."Chief Edward Moody, Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were... Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for thee".John Donne, English Metaphysical poet (1572 - 1631)